8 fun ways to get fit that don’t feel like exercise

January 30, 2019

Getting active and fit doesn’t have to mean hours of cardio or pumping iron at the gym. But have you ever thought of some other ideas for fun ways to get fit that don’t feel like exercise? Here are 8 ideas to get you started!

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know that I love to hit the gym. That is my happy place and my “me” time. But not everyone enjoys going to a gym. In fact, the majority of American’s would prefer not to. But being active is important for an overall healthy lifestyle and everyone needs to get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times per week.

So, if you are wanting to get active but are looking for something a little different…

Here are a few fun ways to get fit that don’t feel like exercise.

1. Jazzercise

Y’all, Jazzercise is not what it was 20 years ago when our moms went to class in blue leotards and leg warmers. I took my first Jazzercise class a few weeks ago and had the BEST time! Not only did I torch calories, but I was having so much fun that it didn’t really feel like work. Yes, I was sweating and working hard, but it never felt like “work.” The camaraderie was amazing, everyone was having a great time, and the instructor made it so fun! There were people of all ages there. Young women, older ladies, and even some men! Yep, there were men at Jazzercise!

Not only does Jazzercise offer the traditional dance cardio/kickboxing/weights class, they also offer strength-focused workouts of various lengths. I kid you not y’all, I burned over 500 calories in that class! Jazzercise has been around for 50 years now (50 years!), and continues to be the leader in dance fitness. You can find a class near you at their website.

My girlfriend and I said we would definitely do another class sometime. It was just such a blast! I highly recommend you check it out!

2. Hiking

We love, love, love to hike. Depending on where you live, you can find local urban hikes, or in the forest super hard kick your butt hikes. We are lucky that we live so close to hundreds of hikes in Washington state. Our kids have become hikers as well, so it is something that can be a family activity.

One thing the hubs and I love to do is use hiking as a date for us. It’s a great way to get fit as a couple, and spend some quality time together. You can also make your hike as strenuous as you want. We like to run a portion of it, or hike faster and slower to really burn some calories.

3. Play at the park

Have you ever watched kids play at the park? It is not easy! My daughter crosses the monkey bars like it’s the easiest thing, but I cannot get across 4 to save my life! Join your kids as they run around, climb and swing at the park for some serious calorie burning….and fun!

Never been skiing or snowboarding? It’s never too late to start! I didn’t start skiing until I was 28 years old. Before that I was a snowboarder. You can rent gear at REI or on the ski hill, take a lesson or two, and you will be on your way. I will say, it’s not a cheap sport. Equipment is pricey and, depending on the hill, passes can be as well. But it is one of our family’s favorite ways to get fit, and it’s something you can do for years and years.

5. Snowshoeing

I never thought snowshoeing would be hard….until I did it. Especially if you’re breaking trail (the first people to snowshoe a particular area), it can be a great leg workout. It’s a fun activity to do with friends and a great way to connect with nature and breathe in the fresh air.

I always recommend layers because you will eventually get hot and want to remove a few. 🙂 Find a trail and give it a go! You can rent snowshoes at REI.

6. At home workout videos

You may be someone who wants to do a group activity, but you can’t afford to pay for classes. At home workout videos are a great way to get active in the comfort of your own home. I went through a Jillian Michaels phase after I had my daughter, and I will tell you that her workouts are not easy. Maybe you enjoy yoga or kickboxing. There are hundreds of workout videos available to you and for a one time purchase you can enjoy working out at home.

7. Swim

I don’t know many people who didn’t enjoy swimming as a kid. Treading water alone burns a ton of calories. Fun in the water can include anything from water aerobics and swimming laps, to playing with your kids in the water or water polo. There are so many ways to be active in the water. My daughter is an avid swimmer, and it’s so fun to practice different strokes with her and make it into a game or a race. It’s great exercise for us both, and a bonding activity.

8. Ride a bike

My father in law is in amazing shape for a 70+ year old man. And he accredits it to his avid biking. He mountain bikes and road bikes and it has kept him fit and active for years. Bike riding is also a great family activity and something you can do almost anywhere. Look for a used mountain or road bike on Offer Up or Craigslist. There are people selling high quality bikes for cheap all the time.

Being active and getting fit doesn’t have to be boring. There are so many unique and fun ways to get fit that don’t feel like exercise. Give one of these activities a try and let me know what you think! I highly recommend Jazzercise. It is my new fave!

Thank you to Jazzercise for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.

Comments

These are awesome tips! And Jazzercise sounds fun! I’ll have to look at see if our gym has a class!

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